Jakarta – A community organization has set up a post that aims to collect reports of intimidation during Car Free Day in Central Jakarta. The police have opened investigations into the cases.
In a video widely circulated online, people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the text #DiaSibukKerja (#HeIsBusyWorking), as a show of support for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who will seek reelection next year, were reportedly intimidated during what was supposed to be a politics-free event at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Sunday.
The suspected intimidators, who reportedly wore T-shirts with #2019GantiPresident (#2019ChangethePresident) printed on them, were seen mocking the Jokowi supporters, accusing them of having been paid to wear the shirts.
Among the alleged victims was a crying child, whose mother stood up to the suspected intimidators.
"This post has been established because there are many reports of intimidation and abuse during the [Car Free Day] event," Cyber Indonesia chairman Muannas Alaidid said in a statement on Monday as quoted by tempo.co.
Cyber Indonesia comprises individuals who supported former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's reelection bid. Ahok was a close political ally of Jokowi.
The group, which previously reported Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan for closing a street in Tanah Abang to traffic, has said that it will accompany the intimidation victims on their quest for justice. (fac)